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The share of solar energy in the energy mix has become a major concern, and the global effort is to increase its contribution. Photovoltaic technology is an environment-friendly way of electricity production compared to fossil fuels. Currently, third generation of solar cells with a maximum average conversion efficiency of 20% has been achieved. Asia is an emerging market for photovoltaic technology, and it has recorded the highest installation capacity for 2018 (280 MW), 2030 (1860 MW), and 2050 (4837 MW). Meanwhile, Asia is estimated to be the highest producer of PV waste by 2040, with 5,580,000 metric tons of waste volume. Solid waste management is already a big environmental issue in South Asian countries, and untested landfilling of solar cells can further increase the burden. This review emphasizes the end-of-life scenario of solar cells in developing South Asian countries. Solar cell waste is hazardous e-waste that can lead to environmental and health impacts if not managed properly. It consists of metals with market value, which can be waste or gold, depending on its management. The study finds that recycling is the economically and environmentally effective waste management option for solar cells in South Asia. This paper reviews the deficiencies in the existing solar cell waste management framework in South Asian countries. Moreover, practical implications are presented for designing an effective waste management plan for solar cells in South Asian countries. Strong legislation, sufficient recycling infrastructure, and high stakeholders' interests are required to resolve this environmental concern., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The current study explores the relationship between water resources and tourism in South Asia for the period of 1995-2017. The study employs the CIPS unit root test for stationarity of the variables and the CD test for cross-sectional dependence among cross-sectional units. As for the long-run parameters, a novel technique, known as dynamic common correlated effect (DCCE) model, is used which was recently developed by Chudik and Pesaran (J Econ 188:393-420, 2015b). The outcomes from the DCCE method suggest that water resources have a positive impact on tourism in South Asia. It is also proven that ignoring cross-sectional dependence among the cross-sectional units may bring about misleading outcomes. The findings of the study can be helpful for policymakers to understand the role of water resources in boosting tourism and contributing to the economic prosperity of South Asian countries.